Photos and videos of Barynya Balalaika Duo from restaurant and Bar Russian Vodka Room in New York City. Musicians Elina Karokhina (balalaika, domra), and Mikhail Smirnov (Russian button accordion garmoshka, guitar, vocals) use to play at the venue on Saturdays.
What is the top best Russian Restaurant in New York City and nearest suburbs? Where to eat best Russian Borscht? Where to have fun in the "Russian way"? Where you can get Vareniki, Pelmeni, Zakuski, meet Russian ladies or men, and, maybe, dance and sing? No doubt the #1 Russian restaurant in New York City is the "RUSSIAN VODKA ROOM" located on West 52nd Street betwwen 8th Ave and Broadway, Exact address: 265 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, www.russianvodkaroomnyc.com, phone (212) 533-3412. When you are going to New York City it is a great idea to stop by Russian Vodka Room to get a proper attitude adjustment, and say Hello to barmen Bagushka, balalaika player Elina Karokhina, and other people working there. If you are a big fan of live Russian music, make sure to stop be after 8pm every night when the live music starts. You will like great services, authentic Rusian food, and drinks that are not crazy expensive. Если бы я жил немного поближе, то всегда бы обедал и ужинал в Русской Рюмочной на 52-ой улице в Манхэттене.
03-03-2026, Signature Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street, New York City
Performance of the most popular Russian and Soviet songs at a presentation for the cast and audience of the post-Soviet buddy comedy MOTHER RUSSIA, which explores Russia’s chaotic transition from communism to capitalism in the 1990s at the Signature Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
02-15-2026, wedding reception at The Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey
Balalaika Duo performed "Katyusha", "Korobushka", "Svetit Mesyats", and "Pidmanula" during wedding reception in New Jersey on February 15th, 2026 at The Venetian, 546 River Dr, Garfield, NJ 07026. Musicians Mikhail and Elina were playing while dancers of ensemble Barynya were changing their outfits during 30 min show.
01-17-2026, Old Russian New Year's party in New York City
75 min program during Old Russian New Year's party in New York City on January 17th, 2026. Russian, Cossack, Gypsy music and songs, some popular music from Soviet movies.
10-17-2025, Slavic Soiree in Coconut Creek, Florida
On Friday, October 17th, 2025 from 7pm to 12 midnight Balalaika Orchestra performed at Paideia Classical Academy (2370 Hammock Blvd) in Coconut Creek, Florida during Slavic Soiree Fundraiser to build the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in South Florida.
Musicians of ensemble Barynya Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika) at the 3BR Distillery, 7 Main Street, Keyport, New Jersey 07735.
10-08-2022, Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve, Scottsville, Virginia
DJ Alisa, bilingual MC-Tamada Mikhail and eight piece live music band provided music and entertainment for mixed Russian-Jewish-American wedding reception in Scottsville, Virginia on Saturday, October 8th, 2022. For their venue newlyweds selected Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve, 5600 Moonlight Dr, Scottsville, VA 24590.
08-28-2022. The Shore Club, Spring Lake, New Jersey
On Sunday, August 28th, 2022 from 6 to 11pm Mikhail and Elina performed during wedding reception (cocktail hour and dinner) at The Shore Club in Spring Lake. The Newlyweds especially wanted the Hopak dance during the dancing part. Exact address of the venue: Shore Club, NJ, 700 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ 07762.
On Saturday, August 13th, 2022 around 9pm Mikhail and Elina performed a short segment during wedding reception at the Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey (210 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712). Program of the show included just a few songs: песню Вероники Долиной "А хочешь я выучусь шить", Валенки, Хава нагила, Чардаш, Московские окна и Деспозито.
August 13, 2022. Two concerts at the Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, New Jersey
On Saturday August 13th, 2022 musicians of Barynya Balalaika Duo Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina performed two shows at the Historic Cold Spring Village (summer-opening living history village dedicated to life in the first years of American independence) in Cape May, New Jersey. Exact address of the venue: Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204. Address for GPS: 720 Rt 9 South, Cape May, NJ 08204. First show: 11:00-11:45pm and second show: 12:00-12:45pm.
August 6, 2022. Ukrainian wedding ceremony at the Drumore Estate in Pequea, Pennsylvania (Martic Township in Lancaster County)
On Saturday, August 6th, 2022 around 4pm Mikhail and Elina performed during Ivan and Andrea Ukrainian wedding ceremony at the Drumore Estate in Pequea, Pennsylvania - Lancaster's popular wedding venue located in Martic Township of the Lancaster County. Exact address: 331 Red Hill Road, Pequea, PA 17565. Requested music included Kolomeyka, Lemko Wedding Song, Yellow by Coldplay, Rainbow by Kasey Musgraves, and other selections.
Surprise Birthday party, Donatella Restaurant, Harrington Park, NJ
On Sunday, July 24th, 2022 from 1 to 5pm Mikhail and Elina performed at the Valentina's Surprise 70th Birthday party at Donatella Restaurant, 12 Tappan Road, Harrington Park, New Jersey. Музыканты исполнили все любимые песни именинницы: "Миллион алых роз", "Лаванда", "Очи Черные", "Коробейники", "Смуглянка" и многие другие.
July 20, 2022. Virtual performance for Schechter Holocaust Services in Waltham, Massachusetts
Wednesday, July 20th, 2022, 1:30pm. Live performance via Zoom for Schechter Holocaust Services in Waltham, Massachusetts. The program was sponsored by Jewish Family & Children’s Service, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451. Title of the event: Virtual "Cafe Hakalah".
July 16, 2022. Birthday party in Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Mikhail and Elina played for about an hour during birthday party in Carbon County, Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 16th, 2022. Performance took place at a brand new private house. About 25 adults and ten kids attended the event. Артисты поздравили именинницу, попели, поиграли, повеселили гостей, пофотографировались с виновницей торжества и её родителями.
July 16, 2022. Niagara Falls, ONTARIO L2G 3K7, Canada, Russian Adoption Reunion 2022
On Saturday, July 16th, 2022 musicians and dancers of ensemble Barynya - Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Alisa Egorova, Valentina Kvasova, Alexandr Rudoy - performed 30 minutes show for adoptees ages 8-21, and their families during Russian Adoption Reunion 2022 event that took place at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, 5875 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ONTARIO L2G 3K7, Canada. There were adoptees from Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan and China. Totasl guests count: 250. The program included "Korobushka", "Kalinka", "Valenkee" ("Woolen Boots"), "Mardzhandzha", "Hopak", "Dark Eyes", "The Moon Is Shining Brightly" and "Bottle Dance" based on the "Fiddler On The Roof".
July 14, 2022. Public performance in Oak Park, Illinois
Musicians Nina Tritenichenko, Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina performed from 5pm to 9pm in downtown Oak Park, Illinois during Thursday Night Out - downtown Oak Park’s popular dine-around summer series that run every Thursday between June 2nd to August 25th from 5 to 9pm. Downtown Oak Park restaurants offer a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts on the Thursday Night Out menu and allow diners to eat inside or carry out. Tables are also set up outside for patrons to enjoy dining al fresco.
July 1, 2022. Concert at the Just Home Adult Medical Care in East Brunswick, NJ
On Friday, July 1st, 2022 July 1, 2022 Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina performed one hour concert at the Just Home Adult Medical Care in East Brunswick, New Jersey for Russian-speaking senior citizens. Program included Russian, Jewish, Gypsy, Ukrainian, American music and songs as well as some classical pieces.
June 12, 2022. Birthday party at Ponte Vecchio restaurant, Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York
Dancer Alisa Egorova, singer and musician Mikhail Smirnov, musicians Elina Karokhina and bizzare Gypsy Fortune Teller Costumer Character entertained guests during Russian birthday party at the Ponte Vecchio on Sunday, June 12th, 2022. Performance took place at the backyard of popular Italian restaurant in Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York. About 25 guests attended the event. Артисты цыганского хора «АЙ НЭ-НЭ» Ляли Пшеничной поздравили именинника, попели любимые цыганские песни, поиграли цыганскую венгерку, повеселили гостей и пофотографировались с виновником торжества.
November 2021. Elina Karokhina with the Washington Balalaika Orchestra
In the end of November 2021 balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina was invited to perform two concerts with the Washington Balalaika Orchestra in Virginia and Maryland. The WBS (Washington Balalaika Orchestra) is a community-based orchestra of more than fifty musicians with a mixture of amateur and professional training. Conductor Svetlana Nikonova.
June 5, 2021. Gypsy Night at the Anyway Cafe in New York City
Russian Gypsy singer Natasha Stolichnaya and NYC Gypsy Band performed for 3 hours at the Anyway Cafe in New York City on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 (8 to 11pm). Cast of performers: Natasha Stolichnaya, Frida Anuarbek (keyboard, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, vocals, garmoshka). Repertoire: Russian Gypsy songs and music, popular Russian songs, classical music, international hit songs.
On Saturday, March 27th, 2021 from 8 to 11pm Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso) played Russian, Gypsy, classical and contemporary music at the Anyway CafeBrooklyn Exact address of the venue: Anyway Cafe 1602 Gravesend Neck Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11229.
December 1, 2020. Virtual performance for Musical Bridges Around the World "Facebook Live for Giving Tuesday" event in San Antonio, Texas
On Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 Elina Karokhina (balalaika) and Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) provided brief virtual performance for Musical Bridges Around the World Facebook Live for Giving Tuesday! Mission to support and bring multicultural performing and visual arts in San Antonio, Texas and beyond. Musicians performed two Russian winter songs and answered a few questions.
February 8, 2020. An evening of Gypsy songs and music at the Anyway Cafe in New York City
On Saturday, February 8th, 2020 Cafe Anyway in New York City hosted an event called "Manhattan Gypsy Nights". From 8pm to 12 midnight Vasily Yankovic, Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov performed an array of Gypsy Roma songs and music in colorfull East Village neighborhood of Manhatten. Exact address of the venue: Anyway Cafe NYC, 34 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10003.
January 23, 2020. Concert with Charleston Symphony Orchestra, South Carolina
On Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 Elina Karokhina, and Mikhail Smirnov performed joined concert titled "FROM RUSSIANS WITH LOVE" with Charleston Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Yuriy Bekker. Program of performance: Dmitri Shostakovich Festive Overture, Op. 96, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky “ Polonaise ” from Eugene Onegin, Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vocalise, Modest Mussorgsky, (arr. Nikolai Rimsky - Korsakov) Night on Bald Mountain, Stravinsky's Firebird Infernal Dance Berceuse Finale, Aram Khachaturian's “Sabre Dance“ from Gayane, Nikolai Rimsky - Korsakov “Flight of the Bumble Bee” from Tale of Tsar Saltan, Russian Folk Song "Oche Chiornie" (Dark Eyes), arr. Carmen Dragon, Lionel Bart, arr. John Bachalis “ From Russia With Love “ from James Bond: From Russia With Love, Maurice Jarre, arr. Bill Holcombe “Laura’s Theme” from Dr. Zhivago, Russian Folk Song "Kalinka", Russian Folk Song "Kamarinskaiya", Russian Folk Song "Valenki", Russian Folk Song "Korobushka", Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky “Finale” from Symphony No . 4 in F minor, Op. 36.
August 24, 2019. 60th birthday party, Chinar Restaurant, Staten Island, New York
One hour show during Russian 60th birthday party on Saturday, August 24th, 2019, 8pm at the "Chinar On The Island" Restaurant. Cast of performers included singer and seven string guitar player Vasiliy, singer and 6 string guitar player Mikhail, singer/dancer Valentina. Program of the performance included "Kai One", "2 guitars" ("Две гитары"), "Shatritsa", "Joseph-Joseph", "Vengerka", "Mato", "Mardjandja", "Dark Eyes" ("Очи чёрные"), "Long Road" ("Дорогой длинною"), "За дружеской беседою", "Эй, ямщик, гони-ка к Яру", "Мохнатый шмель", "Цыганская фантазия" (инструментальный номер), "Не будите", "Нанэ Цоха", "Чардаш" (инструментальный номер), "Бирюзовые златы колечки", "Как цветок душистый" (цыганская величальная), "Только раз" (романс), "Пропил Мишка", "Что мне горе", "Gypsy Medley" (Попурри), "Сердце на снегу", "Мы на лодочке катались", and other Gypsy Roma (Romani), songs, music, and dances. The company also presented several Russian, Ukrainian, and Moldovian songs, as well as some classical music, and internationally known hits.
August 18, 2018. Private party near Hunter Mountain (Elka Park, NY) in Upstate New York
The company performed in Up-state New York in a big private house near Hunter Mountain (Elka Park, NY). Guests were mostly American, French and Russian. The trio presented of program of Russian Gypsy, Cossack, Ukrainian and Tatar traditional music, songs and dances performed live on acoustic guitar, garmoshka, and balalaika. Tsyganka The Gypsy Doll has made a surprice appearence. Party was taking place on a beautiful evening of Saturday, August 18, 2018. Show started around 6PM. Cast: Misha, Lina, Alisa, and {Gypsy Doll}.
March 17, 2017. Photo of Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov with the Bride and Groom in the New York Times (wedding fashion section)
Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov played during Russian-born mezzo-soprano Ksenia Berestovskaya and an American drummer Christopher Oquist's wedding reception at the Russian restaurant Mari Vanna in New York City. Article about that wedding written by VINCENT M. MALLOZZI called "A Pessimist and an Optimist, Building a Life in Sync" appeared in the fashion/wedding section in New York Times on March 17, 2017.
The wedding celebration at Mari Vanna, a restaurant in the Flatiron district with a heavy Russian accent. The celebration included jugs of vodka and a continuous loop of folk songs from the old country performed by NY Balalaika Duo Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina. Of her new husband, Ms. Berestovskaya said, "He taught me how to love." Photo Credit: Jessica Lehrman for The New York Times.
Photos from festivals and public concerts in 2016
September 29, 2016. Carnegie Hall, New York City
Authentic Roma singer Vasily Yankovich-Romani, Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov at the Carnegie Hall in New York City on Thursday, September 29th, 2016 at 8PM. OPENING NIGHT featuring FRANK LONDON, BAD BUKA, MOSCOW GYPSY ARMY, KALIN IVANOV, ELLINA GRAYPEL, ANNA VOEVODA, GREECE ELENIKA, ALESSANDRA BELLONI, MAGGES. Conducted by ALEKSANDR ANISIMOV.
August 6, 2016, Adult Day Health Care Center "Zabota", Allston, Massachusetts
click on the images above to see full-size high resolution photos
May 22, 2016. Graduation party, Great Neck, Long Island, New York
Vasiliy Yankovic-Romani led the group to present traditional Gypsy (Romani) songs, instrumental numbers and dances in Great Neck, Long Island (New York) on Sunday, May 22nd, 2016, from 3 to 7pm during graduation party. Program of performance included "Hey, Romale", "Dark Eyes", "Kai One", "Two Guitars", "Shatritsa", "Vengerka", "Mato", "Chardash", "Ручеёк", "Мохнатый шмель", "Mardjandja", "Long Road" (Дорогой длинною), and other Gypsy favorites. Vasiliy performed with balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, dancer Alisa Egorova, and singer/guitar/accordion player Mikhail Smirnov.
November 2015, Russian Tea Room, New York City, Lotos Foundation Event
click images above to see full-size high resolution photos
June 24, 2015. Balalaika Duo solo concert in Ellsworth, Maine
Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov performed one hour solo concert on Wednesday, June 24th, 2015 at the Grand Theater for Performing Arts in Ellsworth, Maine. Exact address of the theater: 165 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Concert program included instrumental numbers, songs and dances.
March 4, 2015. School assembly show at the Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, D.C.
Russian dance and music balalaika duo {Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov} performed 45 min program for kids at the Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St., NW, Washington, DC 20016 on Wednesday, March 4th, 2015. The program of the performance included Siberian Nanai wrestling dance "Bor'ba Nanaiskikh Malchikov", Russian folk song "Kalinka", Russian dance "Metelitsa" (The Snowstorm), Russian Medley "Angry Husband" and "Felt Boots" (balalaika solo, instrumental), Russian tongue-twisters, Russian Jewish wedding dance, Russian Alphabet lesson, Russian Gypsy song and dance "Dark Eyes", Russian percussion band plays "The Peddlers", Russian dance workshop, "Chardash" (balalaika solo. instrumental), Russian Bear dance.
On January 14, 2015 Elina Karokhina was selected to performed balalaika part with Mariinsky Theatre from St. Petersburg, Russia in Rodion Shchedrin's opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" at the BAM - Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Some photos and video from Shchedrin’s rarely staged musical treasure, based on the story by Nikolai Leskov are available on Barynya website
April 2014, Eastern Branch Library, Shrewsbury, New Jersey
December 17, 2013. Mahwah, New Jersey, Bergen County
Elina Karokhina (balalaika) and Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, vocals) provided Gypsy music, songs and entertainment (fun trivia) during Russian-Gypsy style Birthday party celebration in Northern New Jersey (Mahwah, NJ, Bergen County) on Saturday evening, December 7th, 2013.
August 3, 2013, Amytville Library, Long Island, New York
The Cabaret show concert took place on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Amityville Public Library, corner of Oak and John Streets in Amitvylle, NY 11701-2911. Elina Karokhina (balalaika), and Mikhail Smirnov (guiar) performed world music while show dancers were changing their outfits.
August 25, 2012. Russian-American wedding at the Park Hyatt Washington, Washington D.C.
Mixed Russian-American wedding took place at the Park Hyatt Washington, 1201 24th Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20037 on Saturday, August 25th, 2012. Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina provided DJ and MC-tamada services, wedding ceremony and live music performance.
08-07-2012, Morristown Green, Morristown, New Jersey
Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, and dancer Valentina Kvasova performed during international festival at the Morristown Green in Morristown, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 from noon to 1:15pm.
April 22, 2012. Restaurant "Nasha Rasha" New York City
On Sunday, April 22nd, 2012 from 6pm-midnight Valentina, Mikhail and Elina provided several performances for private party at Russian Restaurant and Bar "Nasha Rusha NYC" located in Flatiron neighborhood of New York City, exact address: 4 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011.
March 23, 2012. School assemblies in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Baltimore area
Russian dance, song and music ensemble Barynya performed a series of school assembly concerts in schools in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Baltimore area. Video (below) was recorded on March 23rd, 2012 at the Maret Middle School, 3000 Cathedral Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008. Cast: singer Alexander Menshikov, Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, dancers Anya Zeenenko and Boulat Moukhametov. The program of the performance included "Russian Bear dance", Dance of Russian Sailors, "Barynya", "Kalinka", Ukrainian "Hopak", Jewish wedding dance "Mazel Tov" from Odessa region of Ukraine, traditional songs "Dark Eyes", "Along The Piterskaya", Russian Tongue Twisters, and virtuoso balalaika performances.
November 28, 2011. Nyack's Blini, Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church
It is always fun to play during Bliny Russian Maslenitsa Pancakes Event in Nayck, New York. This colorful Russian Orthodox Event takes place every year at the Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church located at 51 Prospect St, Nyack, NY 10960. On November 28, 2011 Musicians of Barynya Balalaika Duo played mix of Russian, Cossack and Gypsy music and songs as well as some classical pieces.
October 29, 2011. Temple Israel, JCC of the Greater Five Towns, Long Island, NY
On Saturday, October 29th, 2011, from 8:30pm to 9:45 members of Barynya Balalaika Duo Mikhail Smirnov & Elina Karokhina provided music during Jewish event at the Temple Israel on Long Island. Exact address: JCC of the Greater Five Towns, 140 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559. Program included Jewish Klezmer music as well as Russian, classical and contemporary pieces.
October 18, 2011. Corporate event Firebird Restaurant New York City
Two musicians (Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov) and singer Jenya Zolotariova of Moscow Gypsy Army team performed during New York Chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering Executive) event at The Firebird restaurant located in Hell's Kitchen area in NYC, exact address: 365 West 46 Street, New York, NY on Tuesday, October 18th 2011.
March 11, 2011. Old York Road Temple Beth Am, Abington, Pennsylvania
Balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina and singer, guitar and Russian garmoshka player performed during a silver anniversary of Cantor Elena Zarkh serving at the Old York Road Temple-Beth Am.
April 29th, 2010. Balalaika Piano Duo, wedding ceremony in Boston, MA
Balalaika/Piano Duo led by Elina Karokhina provided music for wedding ceremony on April 29th, 2010 in Boston, MA. The music included The Swan (Le Cygne) from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens, "Here Comes The Bride" Wedding March, J.S.Bach - Arioso from Cantata BWV 156 (Adagio), Ave Maria - Schubert, "CANON IN D" by PACHELBEL, WEDDING MARCH by MENDELSSOHN, "CLAIR DE LUNE" by DEBUSSY, and other selections.
December 16th, 2010 Russian Consulate NYC, New York, USA
June 29, 2010. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C.
Concert during an International Cultural Diversity Day at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. on June 29th 2010. Dancers Aliaksandr Anatska, Alexander Rudoy, Olga Yeliseyeva, and Olga Chpitalnaia performed Ukrainian dance "Hopak", Russian dance "Kalinka", Jewish dance "Mazal Tov", and Cossack dance "Varen'ka". The performance was narrated by a Russian-born ethnomusicologist, folk singer, garmoshka, balalaika and guitar player, artistic director and founder of the group Mikhail Smirnov. Mikhail has performed Russian Tongue Twisters, Moroz-Moroz, Korobushka, Pidmanula, and chastushki-stradaniya.
